The Best Cat Treats
What cat doesn't like a tasty treat? And what person doesn't enjoy watching their cat's excitement when you offer it to them? Of course, we all know that cats are a notoriously picky species. They're as picky as humans, and we kept this in mind when choosing our favorite cat treats. We think you'll like our selection. Take a look.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best cat treats are tasty, nutritious, and easy to digest. For example, Temptations Cat Treats combine crunchy and soft textures with a delectable chicken flavor most cats will love with less than two calories per treat. If you want to keep it simple, Jungle Calling’s freeze-dried meat is made of one simple ingredient: protein. No matter what you choose, we’re sure you’ll discover a worthy option. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Temptations Classic Cat Treats
Perfect poultry
Temptations is a tried and true brand, and for good reason. They’re known for successfully creating flavors your cat will enjoy without compromising their health. These classic treats have all the nutritious staples you’d want from a treat, such as B vitamins, minerals, and above all, a great taste.
Pros:
- Cats get visibly excited over these treats; it’s a sure hit, even for picky eaters.
- These snacks are well tolerated in cats with sensitive stomachs.
Cons:
- The container isn’t as airtight as we would’ve liked.
Fruitables Crunchy Cat Treats
Fruity flavors
Fruitables’ cat treats offer a low-carb and high-protein addition to your pet’s snack rotation. There are three tasty options: chicken and blueberry, salmon and cranberry, and tuna and pumpkin. We especially like that when you review the nutritional facts, it’s not full of filler ingredients like animal byproducts or artificial colors. Plus, it’s free from wheat, soy, and preservatives, so cats with touchy digestive systems should be safe to enjoy these delicious treats.
Pros:
- Even though these treats are very nutritious, cats don’t seem to think they taste “healthy.” Most fussy cats seem to like them.
- Cats suffering from diarrhea may find some relief when regularly eating the tuna and pumpkin flavor.
Cons:
- It’s pretty expensive, but we think they’re worth it.
Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up Cat Treats
Take a lick
Our favorite part about Hartz’s lickable treats is the bonding time it affords you with your cat. Cuddling up with your cat while they enjoy their treat is priceless. But we suppose your cat will be more interested in whether this treat actually tastes good. We’re pleased to report that most cats seem to love these creamy purees. In fact, we’d recommend purchasing the variety pack, which includes various chicken flavors, tuna, and shrimp. We’re sure you know how bored cats get when they only have one flavor option.
Pros:
- Cats don’t always love to snuggle when eating a treat, and we found that they also enjoy licking this treat from a bowl.
- If your cat is having a hard time taking their medicine, these treats are great at masking the flavor.
Cons:
- The squeezable packs can cause quite a mess if you’re not careful.
Shameless Pets Cat Treats Catnip N Chill
Mellow out
Shameless Pets has created a unique treat. Not only does it offer the chill factor only catnip provides, but also digestive support. It’s chock full of pre and probiotics that help your cat maintain a healthy intestinal tract. Plus, its chicken flavor actually comes from chicken — meat is the first ingredient. Another key ingredient is sweet potato, which aids your cat’s digestion. Even better, these snacks are made in the good ol’ USA.
Pros:
- Hyperactive cats that often fight with each other seem to calm down after eating this treat.
- Given the high quality, we think these treats are very affordable.
Cons:
- If your cat doesn’t like catnip in other forms, they definitely won’t respond to these treats.
Jungle Calling Freeze Dried Cat Treats
Simply tasty
Jungle Calling’s freeze-dried cat treats are available in two flavors, chicken and duck. And do you know what the ingredients are? Either chicken or duck. That’s it. Now, you may be wondering if your cat would like something so simple, but it sure seems like they do. More importantly, since they’re entirely made of protein, they’re easy to digest. If you’d like to soften the treat, all you need to do is add water. You can also place it on their daily food for an extra serving of protein.
Pros:
- If you have a multi-pet household, we found that cats and dogs enjoy this treat equally.
- Unlike other brands, these come in thick chunks that don’t crumble into tiny pieces.
Cons:
- These are made in China, but we still think these are worth considering, especially for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treats should I give my cat per day?
We can’t give you a specific number, but it is important that you offer them more sparingly than you would normal food. Think of it this way — if you have kids, chances are they love dessert. Let’s say that chocolate cheesecake is their favorite. Even though they love chocolate cheesecake, and you love seeing them get excited over it, you’re not going to give them chocolate cheesecake every day. Granted, most cat foods are healthier than human desserts, but the principle still applies. In the end, it comes down to moderation.
What type of cat treat is best for my cat?
That’s the million-dollar question. Unfortunately, it comes down to trial and error. We’d suggest purchasing a few different types to see what your cat gravitates toward.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.